Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method comprising: simulating a wireless network for an application-carrying device separate from wireless communications network test equipment; simulating a positioning signal for the application-carrying device, wherein the positioning signal comprises information allowing the application-carrying device to determine one or more simulated positions, and wherein the application-carrying device includes at least one application, wherein the at least one application comprises a location-based application that uses the simulated position(s) as location input, and wherein the positioning signal comprises a satellite navigation signal, and wherein, to increase location determination accuracy, the satellite navigation signal comprises one or more of an AGPS signal, a GLONASS signal, a GALILEO signal, a Beidou signal, a COMPASS signal, an IRNSS signal and a QZSS signal; monitoring a wireless communications interface between the simulated network and the application-carrying device, wherein the monitoring comprises measuring signaling data on a control plane, and measuring application data on a user plane related to the at least one application of the application-carrying device, and wherein the monitoring further comprises measuring power consumption data and data based on the simulated position(s) of the application-carrying device; and generating cross-layer measurement data based on the simulated position(s), the measured signaling data, the measured application data and the measured power consumption data; and wherein the signaling data, the application data, the data based on the simulated position(s) and the power consumption data are measured based on a common time reference of the test equipment, wherein one or more control plane events are predefined as trigger events, and wherein the monitoring of the wireless communications interface is performed via multiple monitoring phases, each monitoring phase employing a different respective network configuration of the simulated wireless network that is based on a respective set of radio network controller (RNC) parameters.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the measuring of the control plane signaling comprises measuring connection states.
This invention relates to network monitoring, specifically measuring control plane signaling in communication networks to assess performance and reliability. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and detailed monitoring of control plane signaling to identify issues such as connection failures, latency, or protocol errors that impact network performance. The method involves measuring control plane signaling by tracking connection states, which include establishing, maintaining, and terminating connections between network nodes. By analyzing these states, the system can detect anomalies, such as unexpected disconnections or prolonged connection attempts, which may indicate underlying network problems. The measurement process may involve capturing signaling messages, parsing them to extract state information, and logging the data for further analysis. The invention also includes determining the duration of each connection state, which helps in identifying performance bottlenecks. For example, prolonged connection establishment times may indicate authentication or routing issues, while frequent disconnections may suggest instability in the network. The collected data can be used to generate reports or trigger alerts for network administrators, enabling proactive maintenance and troubleshooting. This approach enhances network reliability by providing detailed insights into control plane behavior, allowing for faster diagnosis and resolution of issues that affect communication quality. The method is applicable to various network types, including cellular, IP, and wireless networks, where control plane signaling plays a critical role in maintaining connectivity.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the measuring of the control plane signaling data and the generation of the cross-layer measurement data comprises determining at least one message count of a control plane signaling message transmitted over the wireless communications interface.
This invention relates to wireless communications, specifically to methods for measuring control plane signaling data and generating cross-layer measurement data in a wireless network. The problem addressed is the need for efficient monitoring and analysis of control plane signaling to optimize network performance and resource allocation. The method involves measuring control plane signaling data by determining the count of specific control plane signaling messages transmitted over a wireless communications interface. These messages may include signaling events such as connection requests, handover commands, or other protocol-specific exchanges. The measurement data is then used to generate cross-layer measurement data, which integrates information from different layers of the network stack (e.g., physical, MAC, RRC layers) to provide a holistic view of network behavior. The cross-layer measurement data can be used for various purposes, such as identifying congestion, optimizing handover procedures, or improving resource allocation. By analyzing message counts and other signaling metrics, the system can detect anomalies, predict network conditions, and make data-driven decisions to enhance performance. The method supports real-time monitoring and historical analysis, enabling both immediate adjustments and long-term network planning. The approach is applicable to various wireless technologies, including 4G LTE and 5G NR, where control plane signaling plays a critical role in network efficiency.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the measuring of the user plane application data and the generation of the cross-layer measurement data comprises determining at least one connection count in the user plane over the wireless interface.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for monitoring and analyzing user plane application data and cross-layer measurement data in wireless networks. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and accurate measurement of network performance and user behavior in wireless interfaces, particularly for optimizing network operations and improving user experience. The method involves measuring user plane application data and generating cross-layer measurement data, which includes determining at least one connection count in the user plane over the wireless interface. This connection count represents the number of active connections or sessions between a user device and the network. The measurement process may also involve analyzing other metrics such as data throughput, latency, or packet loss to assess network performance. The cross-layer measurement data integrates information from different protocol layers (e.g., physical, data link, and application layers) to provide a comprehensive view of network behavior. By tracking connection counts and other relevant metrics, the system can identify trends, detect anomalies, and make data-driven decisions to enhance network efficiency and reliability. This approach is particularly useful in dynamic wireless environments where real-time monitoring and adaptive adjustments are critical.
5. The method according claim 1 , wherein a common measuring phase for measuring the control plane signaling data and the user plane application data is triggered by detection of a predefined control plane message.
This invention relates to network monitoring systems that analyze both control plane signaling data and user plane application data in a telecommunications network. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of separately measuring these data types, which can lead to inconsistent or delayed insights into network performance and user experience. The invention provides a method for synchronizing measurements of control plane signaling data and user plane application data by triggering a common measuring phase upon detecting a predefined control plane message. This ensures that both data types are captured and analyzed in a coordinated manner, improving accuracy and reducing latency in network diagnostics. The predefined control plane message can be any standardized or proprietary message that indicates a significant event in the control plane, such as a session establishment, handover, or quality-of-service update. Upon detection of this message, the system initiates a synchronized measurement phase where both control plane and user plane data are collected and analyzed together. This approach allows for correlated analysis, enabling better detection of performance issues, security threats, or service disruptions. The method may also include filtering or prioritizing certain control plane messages to trigger the measurement phase, ensuring that only relevant events prompt synchronized data collection. Additionally, the system can adjust the duration or scope of the measurement phase based on network conditions or predefined policies. This ensures efficient resource utilization while maintaining accurate monitoring. By aligning the measurement of control plane and user plane data, the invention enhances network visibility, reduces diagnostic complexity, and improves dec
6. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising multiple monitoring phases based on different network configurations of the simulated wireless network.
This invention relates to wireless network simulation and monitoring, addressing the challenge of accurately assessing network performance under varying conditions. The method involves simulating a wireless network with configurable parameters to evaluate its behavior in different scenarios. A key feature is the inclusion of multiple monitoring phases, each corresponding to distinct network configurations. These configurations may involve changes in network topology, device density, signal propagation models, or other relevant parameters. By systematically altering these configurations, the method enables comprehensive performance analysis, including metrics such as latency, throughput, and reliability. The monitoring phases capture data at each configuration, allowing for comparative evaluation and identification of optimal settings. This approach enhances the ability to predict real-world network performance and optimize configurations before deployment. The invention is particularly useful in testing wireless networks for applications like IoT, 5G, or smart infrastructure, where adaptability to diverse conditions is critical. The method ensures thorough validation by simulating multiple operational states, providing insights into how the network behaves under different constraints and usage patterns.
7. A test apparatus for a wireless communications network, comprising: a simulator configured to simulate a wireless network for an application-carrying device separate from the test apparatus, and to simulate a positioning signal for the application-carrying device, wherein the positioning signal comprises information allowing the application-carrying device to determine one or more simulated positions, and wherein the application-carrying device includes at least one application, wherein the at least one application comprises a location-based application that uses the simulated position(s) as location input, and wherein the positioning signal comprises a satellite navigation signal, and wherein, to increase location determination accuracy, the satellite navigation signal comprises one or more of an AGPS signal, a GLONASS signal, a GALILEO signal, a Beidou signal, a COMPASS signal, an IRNSS signal and a QZSS signal; and a monitoring device configured to monitor a wireless communications interface between the simulated network and the application-carrying device, wherein the monitoring comprises measuring signaling data on a control plane, and measuring application data on a user plane related to the at least one application of the application-carrying device, and wherein the monitoring further comprises measuring power consumption data and data based on the simulated position(s) of the application-carrying device; and wherein the monitoring device is further configured to generate cross-layer measurement data based on the simulated position(s), the measured signaling data, the measured application data and the measured power consumption data, wherein the signaling data, the application data, the data based on the simulated position(s) and the power consumption data are measured based on a common time reference of the test equipment, wherein one or more control plane events are predefined as trigger events, and wherein the monitoring of the wireless communications interface is performed via multiple monitoring phases, each monitoring phase employing a different respective network configuration of the simulated wireless network that is based on a respective set of radio network controller (RNC) parameters.
A test apparatus for wireless communications networks simulates a wireless network and positioning signals for an application-carrying device, such as a smartphone or IoT device, to evaluate performance under controlled conditions. The simulator generates satellite navigation signals, including AGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, Beidou, COMPASS, IRNSS, or QZSS, to provide simulated positions for location-based applications running on the device. The apparatus monitors the wireless interface between the simulated network and the device, capturing signaling data on the control plane, application data on the user plane, power consumption, and position-based data. Measurements are synchronized using a common time reference. The monitoring device generates cross-layer measurement data by correlating these metrics, allowing analysis of how network configurations impact application performance. The test apparatus operates in multiple phases, each with different radio network controller (RNC) parameters, to assess behavior under varying network conditions. This setup enables comprehensive testing of wireless network performance, application functionality, and power efficiency in a controlled environment.
8. The test apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the measuring of the control plane signaling comprises measuring connection states.
The invention relates to a test apparatus for evaluating control plane signaling in communication networks, particularly focusing on measuring connection states. The apparatus is designed to assess the performance and reliability of signaling protocols used in network control planes, which manage the establishment, maintenance, and termination of communication sessions. A key challenge in network testing is accurately measuring the behavior of control plane signaling, especially in dynamic environments where connection states frequently change. The test apparatus includes a signaling interface to interact with network nodes, such as base stations or core network elements, and a measurement module to capture and analyze signaling data. The apparatus is capable of generating test signals to simulate real-world network conditions and monitoring the responses from the network. Specifically, the apparatus measures connection states, which include tracking the transitions between different states (e.g., idle, active, or disconnected) to evaluate how efficiently the network handles signaling operations. This measurement helps identify issues like signaling delays, state mismatches, or protocol errors that could degrade network performance. By analyzing connection states, the apparatus provides insights into the stability and responsiveness of the control plane, enabling network operators to optimize signaling protocols and improve overall network reliability. The invention is particularly useful in testing 5G and other advanced networks where control plane signaling plays a critical role in supporting high-speed, low-latency communications.
9. The test apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein at least one of the measuring of the control plane signaling data and the generation of the cross-layer measurement data comprises determining at least one message count of a control plane signaling message transmitted over the wireless communications interface.
This invention relates to a test apparatus for analyzing wireless communications, specifically focusing on control plane signaling data and cross-layer measurement data. The apparatus measures control plane signaling data transmitted over a wireless communications interface, such as a cellular network, to assess network performance, reliability, and protocol compliance. A key feature is the ability to determine message counts of specific control plane signaling messages, which helps identify signaling inefficiencies, protocol errors, or congestion issues. The apparatus also generates cross-layer measurement data by correlating measurements from different protocol layers (e.g., physical, MAC, RRC) to provide a holistic view of network behavior. This allows for deeper insights into how signaling impacts overall system performance. The invention is particularly useful for testing and validating wireless communication protocols, optimizing network configurations, and troubleshooting signaling-related issues in real-world deployments. By quantifying message counts and cross-layer interactions, the apparatus enables engineers to detect anomalies, measure latency, and ensure compliance with standards like 3GPP. The solution addresses challenges in monitoring and diagnosing control plane signaling in complex wireless networks, where traditional methods may lack granularity or fail to capture inter-layer dependencies.
10. The test apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein at least one of the measuring of the user plane application data and the generation of the cross-layer measurement data comprises determining at least one connection count in the user plane over the wireless interface.
A test apparatus for evaluating wireless communication systems, particularly focusing on user plane performance, includes components for measuring user plane application data and generating cross-layer measurement data. The apparatus monitors the wireless interface to assess connection counts, which represent the number of active connections in the user plane. This measurement helps analyze network performance, resource utilization, and potential bottlenecks in data transmission. The apparatus may also include a data processing unit to correlate measurements across different protocol layers, providing insights into end-to-end performance. By tracking connection counts, the system identifies how efficiently the network handles multiple simultaneous connections, which is critical for applications requiring high reliability and low latency, such as real-time communication or IoT deployments. The apparatus may further include a reporting module to generate detailed performance metrics, aiding in troubleshooting and optimization of wireless networks. The solution addresses challenges in accurately measuring and analyzing user plane traffic, ensuring that network performance aligns with service-level agreements and user expectations.
11. The test apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein a common measuring phase for measuring the control plane signaling data and the user plane application data is triggered by detection of a predefined control plane message.
This invention relates to a test apparatus for evaluating communication systems, specifically focusing on the measurement of both control plane signaling data and user plane application data. The apparatus is designed to address the challenge of efficiently capturing and analyzing these distinct types of data in a synchronized manner, which is critical for assessing the performance and behavior of communication networks. The test apparatus includes a detection module that monitors for a predefined control plane message, such as a session initiation or termination signal. Upon detecting this message, the apparatus triggers a common measuring phase, ensuring that both control plane signaling data and user plane application data are measured simultaneously. This synchronization is essential for accurately correlating the signaling events with the corresponding application data, providing a comprehensive view of the system's operation. The apparatus further includes a measurement module that captures the control plane signaling data, which typically involves signaling protocols like SIP or Diameter, and the user plane application data, which includes the actual payload data transmitted between endpoints. The synchronized measurement allows for detailed analysis of latency, throughput, and other performance metrics across both planes. Additionally, the apparatus may include a processing module that analyzes the collected data to identify anomalies, performance bottlenecks, or compliance issues. The results can be used for troubleshooting, optimization, or certification testing of communication systems. The invention improves upon prior art by providing a unified approach to measuring and correlating data from both planes, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of network t
12. The test apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the monitor is further configured for multiple monitoring phases based on different network configurations of the simulated wireless network.
This invention relates to a test apparatus for evaluating wireless network performance under varying conditions. The apparatus includes a simulator that generates a simulated wireless network environment, allowing for controlled testing of wireless devices or systems. A monitor within the apparatus collects performance data, such as signal strength, latency, and throughput, during testing. The monitor is further configured to operate in multiple monitoring phases, each corresponding to different network configurations of the simulated wireless network. These configurations may include variations in signal propagation, interference patterns, or network topology, enabling comprehensive assessment of device behavior under diverse scenarios. The apparatus may also include a controller to adjust simulation parameters dynamically, ensuring realistic and repeatable test conditions. The invention addresses the need for robust testing of wireless devices in controlled yet flexible environments, improving reliability and performance validation before deployment.
13. The test apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising: a measuring device configured to measure a power consumption of the application-carrying device.
The invention relates to a test apparatus for evaluating the performance of an application-carrying device, such as a mobile device or embedded system, under various conditions. The apparatus includes a test environment that simulates real-world usage scenarios, including network conditions, user interactions, and environmental factors like temperature and humidity. It also features a monitoring system to track the device's performance metrics, such as processing speed, memory usage, and stability. Additionally, the apparatus includes a measuring device that quantifies the power consumption of the application-carrying device during testing. This allows developers to assess the energy efficiency of applications under different workloads and conditions. The test apparatus is designed to provide comprehensive insights into both functional and non-functional aspects of the device, helping identify performance bottlenecks, optimize resource usage, and ensure reliability. The power consumption measurement capability is particularly useful for battery-powered devices, enabling developers to refine applications for better energy management. The apparatus may also include automated testing scripts and data logging features to streamline the evaluation process.
14. The test apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the test apparatus provides for communication of the application-carrying device with at least one remote application server.
A test apparatus is designed for evaluating the performance and functionality of application-carrying devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or other computing devices that run software applications. The apparatus includes a test environment that simulates real-world conditions to assess how the device interacts with applications under various scenarios. This involves monitoring application behavior, resource usage, and system stability during execution. The test apparatus is configured to facilitate communication between the application-carrying device and at least one remote application server. This allows the device to access cloud-based services, download updates, or interact with backend systems, enabling comprehensive testing of network-dependent functionalities. The apparatus may include networking components, such as routers or gateways, to simulate different network conditions, including latency, bandwidth limitations, or connectivity disruptions. Additionally, it may support multiple communication protocols to ensure compatibility with various server configurations. The test environment can also include tools for automated testing, data logging, and performance analysis, providing detailed insights into application behavior under controlled conditions. This setup helps developers and manufacturers identify issues, optimize performance, and ensure reliability before deployment. The apparatus may further integrate with other testing modules, such as hardware diagnostic tools or environmental simulators, to provide a holistic evaluation of the device's capabilities.
15. The test apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising: a controller configured to control a network configuration of the simulated wireless network.
A test apparatus for evaluating wireless network performance includes a network simulator that generates a simulated wireless network environment. The apparatus simulates various network conditions, such as signal strength, interference, and latency, to test the behavior of wireless devices under different scenarios. The apparatus also includes a controller that dynamically adjusts the network configuration of the simulated environment. This allows for real-time modifications to parameters like bandwidth allocation, channel conditions, and network topology. The controller can implement predefined test scenarios or adapt configurations based on observed device performance. The apparatus is used to validate wireless device functionality, optimize network protocols, and identify potential issues in real-world deployments. The system provides a controlled testing environment to assess how devices handle varying network conditions, ensuring reliability and compliance with standards. The controller's ability to reconfigure the network dynamically enhances the testing flexibility and accuracy, making it suitable for development, certification, and troubleshooting of wireless technologies.
Unknown
October 1, 2019
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